Madison, Wisconsin — Authorities have identified the shooter in a deadly attack at Abundant Life Christian School on Monday that claimed the lives of a teacher and a teenage student, while injuring six others.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes confirmed the shooter as 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, who was known to go by the name Samantha. The shooting occurred during a study hall session where multiple grades were present.
According to police, evidence suggests Rupnow died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Chief Barnes stated that officials are in contact with Rupnow’s father, who is cooperating with the investigation.
The incident was first reported when a second-grade student called 911 at 10:57 a.m. to alert authorities about the shooting. Chief Barnes highlighted the distressing nature of this detail, noting the child’s quick response during a crisis.
“At 10:57 a.m., a second-grade student called 911 to report a shooting had occurred at school. We’ll let that sink in for a minute… A second-grade student called 911,” Barnes said during a press briefing.
The names of the teacher and teenage student who were fatally shot have not yet been released as authorities work to notify their families.
Six other individuals were wounded in the incident. Two students remain in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, while a teacher and three other students were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Barnes noted that two of the injured individuals have since been released.
Abundant Life Christian School, which serves approximately 200 students, did not have a school resource officer at the time of the incident, according to Barnes. The school also lacked metal detectors but did have security cameras and other protocols in place.
The investigation is ongoing as police seek to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and any potential motives. Authorities have yet to disclose whether Rupnow had any documented history of behavioral or mental health concerns.
The community has been left shaken by the tragedy, with many seeking answers about school safety and how to prevent such incidents in the future.
